What is a dental emergency?
How can you tell if it is a dental emergency?
Here are the common signs that you may require urgent dental care:- severe tooth pain
- chipped tooth
- tooth trauma
- knocked-out tooth
- swelling in the gums or face
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- bleeding in the mouth
- broken dentures
- missing crowns or fillings
In any case, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to ensure the problem does not worsen and to determine the best course of action for treatment.
What should you do in case of dental emergencies?
If you experience any dental emergencies, the first thing you should do is contact your local emergency dentist. If your regular dentist is unavailable, consider calling a 24-hour dental service if available in your area; otherwise, visit your local hospital emergency department. These services can provide the urgent care needed to manage your condition and stabilise the situation.
While waiting for professional help, there are some steps you can take to manage the situation. For example, if you’ve knocked out a tooth, gently rinse it with clean water (without scrubbing), and try placing it back in the socket or storing it in milk or saline solution. For severe toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid using any sharp objects or applying aspirin directly to the gums, as this may cause more harm. Staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference in preserving your oral health during emergencies.
